Ori and the Blind Forest
Dec 20, 2020 6 years ago
The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. Ori and the Blind Forest tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for Xbox One and PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, Ori and the Blind Forest explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.
What it’s like
Ori and the Blind Forest is a breathtaking Metroidvania that prioritizes fluid movement and emotional resonance over traditional narrative exposition. You guide Ori through the dying forest of Nibel, unlocking abilities that transform traversal into a dance-like mechanic where precision and momentum are paramount. The experience is defined by its hand-painted visuals and fully orchestrated score, which work in tandem to create an atmosphere of melancholic beauty and fragile hope. While the plot deals with loss and sacrifice, it remains largely wordless, allowing the environment and character animations to convey the emotional weight. Progression is tightly linked to exploration; as you master complex platforming challenges and defeat guardians, the world expands both literally and visually. The Definitive Edition enhances this core loop with additional areas and difficulty options, ensuring that the tight, responsive controls remain the focal point of a deeply satisfying, solitary journey.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicExploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsPolish / PerformanceProgression / ReplayabilityVisuals / ArtCharactersDifficulty / ChallengePacingStory / NarrativeSystems Depth / Build Variety
Keep in mind The game features punishingly difficult platforming sections and boss fights that may frustrate players who prefer more forgiving pacing or casual experiences. Additionally, the narrative is told almost entirely without dialogue, which might leave some players feeling disconnected from the emotional beats despite the strong visual storytelling.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, pcgamer.com, keengamer.com, gamesradar.com, metacritic.com, gamespot.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Mar 11, 201511 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Mar 11, 201511 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 20206 years ago |
